Jordan – Studies in Illiberalism

1. Jordan – Studies in Illiberalism Jazmine Inkster

2. Constitutional monarchy King Abdullah - Jordan's first monarch - was assassinated in 1951 King Hussein ruled Jordan for 46 years - between 1953 and 1999 Eldest son of King Hussein, Crown Prince Abdullah succeeds to the throne in 1999

3. Current Leader King Abdullah II took the throne in 1999, the third leader to get the position from his father before him. Abdullah Ensour has vowed to speed up economic and political reform

4. Political parties Real power rests with the king, who has promised to press ahead with reforms; multi-party politics was introduced in 1992 . The main opposition is the Islamic Action Front. The Islamic Action Front (IAF) is Jordan’s main Islamist political party, founded in 1992 as the political arm of the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood. It has emphasized reform, moderation, and participation in democratic processes. (there are 20 total parties currently)

5. Constitution • The constitution of Jordan was originally drafted in 1946, Then modified in the years 1947, and 1952. The final constitution made in 1952 is still used today. • Jordan’s constitution stipulates that the country is a hereditary monarchy with a parliamentary system. It outlines the functions and powers of the state, the rights and duties of Jordanians, It mandates the separation of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of government, and outlines the regulation of the government’s finances, as well as the enforcement and repeal of laws. Importantly, the Constitution specifically guarantees the rights of Jordanian citizens, including the freedoms of speech and press, association, academic freedom, political parties, freedom of religion and the right to elect parliamentary and municipal representatives.

6. Equality under law. • Freedom of expression and association remained restricted under several laws. Journalists and others who criticized the government, monarchy or state institutions were liable to arrest and prosecution, or attack by government supporters. • According to the official Jordan National Centre for Human Rights, around 11,300 people were held under the 1954 Law on Crime Prevention. This gives provincial governors the power to detain people indefinitely without charge if they are suspected of committing a crime or deemed a “danger to society”.

7. Minority rights The Jordanian government remains largely tolerant of minority groups. Druze religious minority Al-Zaatari refugee camp in the Jordanian city of Mafraq.

8. Voting Equality • Refugee’s are not allowed to vote unless they are considered to be full Jordanian citizens.

9. Political corruption and abuse of power

10. Judiciary System in Jordan • The Jordanian constitution establishes the judiciary as one of three separate and independent branches of government. These are Civil courts, military courts and religious courts.

11. Amendments to Law in Jordan Restrict Press, Internet Freedom • Draft amendments to Jordan’s Press and Publications Law with regards to website content are the latest attempt by the Jordanian government to muzzle its critics and the media. Freedom House denounces these amendments as an affront to press freedom and calls upon the Jordanian parliament to vote against them.The amendments, which were approved last week and must now pass through parliament, would require websites dealing with “press materials” to register with the Department of Press and Publication and pay a fee of more than $1,400 (1,000 Jordanian dinars). Websites would be obligated to appoint a chief editor who is a member of the Jordanian Press Council, and would be held accountable for all comments posted on their website. The General Manager of the Department of Press and Publication would have the authority to block websites - including those broadcasting from abroad - if they breach the law.If passed, these amendments will severely restrict free speech and expression online and contradict Jordan’s previous commitment to internet freedom.Jordan is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2012 and Partly Free in Freedom on the Net 2011. Since Arab Spring protests occurred across the region, the government has sought to tighten its grip amid rising opposition from activists. Charges against Jordanian citizens for “criticizing the king” occur regularly. While the government approved a code of conduct several years ago with the intention of fostering a “free and independent media,” journalists still are closely watched by intelligence agencies and face harassment. Bloggers have been arrested by Jordanian authorities, and as a result, many practice self-censorship. Earlier this month, a satellite channel was closed after airing views that were critical of royal officials.Learn more:

12. Sources • http://berkleycenter.georgetown.edu/resources/organizations/islamic-action-front Berkley center for religion, peace and world affairs • http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-14631981 BBC news world profiles • http://www.amnesty.org/en/region/jordan/report-2012 Amnesty International reports • http://www.minorityrights.org/?lid=4940 Minority Rights International • http://www.freedomhouse.org/sites/default/files/inline_images/Jordan.pdf Freedom House • http://jordan.usembassy.gov/acs_jordanian_legal_system.html USA Embassy